How to Hire the Right People

Finding the Right Tree and Plant Care Professional for Your Property

When it's time to give your plants or trees the attention they need, the job can be over your head (sometimes quite literally) or well beyond the scope of what a quick Google search or DIY video can solve. (Unfortunately, some pests really do require chemical treatments.) Finding the proper professional or company for the job isn’t always straightforward, but it is worth doing right. I have compiled a short list of aspects every homeowner should check out before choosing their professional.

Here’s a short list of key things every homeowner should check before choosing a plant or tree care professional.

1)   Credentials That Matter: ISA Certification and Pesticide Licensing

In Pennsylvania, there’s no legal requirement to call yourself an arborist. That means anyone with a chainsaw and a truck can advertise tree services, regardless of actual training. That’s why checking for real credentials is so important.

Look for an ISA Certified Arborist, someone who has passed the International Society of Arboriculture’s exam and stays up to date with continuing education. You can verify someone’s certification status on the ISA website. It’s quick and easy.

If your job involves pest management or chemical applications (like treating for spotted lanternfly, borers, or fungal issues), make sure your provider has an active pesticide applicator license. In Pennsylvania, this license is issued by the Department of Agriculture and ensures the person handling chemicals is trained in proper use and safety.

Bottom line? Credentials don’t guarantee everything, but they do separate the professionals from the weekend warriors.

2)    Insurance & Licensing: Don’t Skip This Step

Tree work is a risky business. Climbing, heavy equipment, falling limbs, it all adds up to a job where things can (and sometimes do) go wrong. As someone who’s worked as a safety coordinator my entire time in tree care, I can tell you firsthand: incidents don’t always happen where or how you expect. Planning helps, but protection is non-negotiable.

Your contractor should carry three main types of coverage or licensing:

• General Liability Insurance – Covers damage to your property (think: dropped limb through the porch roof).

• Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Covers injuries to workers on your property. Without it, you could be on the hook if someone gets hurt.

• Pesticide Applicator’s License – If they’re spraying for pests or applying treatments or injections, they need a license. In Pennsylvania, this means passing state exams and meeting safety standards. No license? No spray.

Don’t just take their word for it—ask for proof. Any reputable company will gladly provide certificates or license numbers. If a quote comes in suspiciously low, there’s a good chance they’re cutting corners somewhere—and insurance or licensing is often the first thing to go.

3)   Ask About Their Approach: Pruning and Pests

First and foremost, ask them about topping, and that they don't do it to your trees!

Another question homeowners should ask someone who might prune their plant is “What plant is it?” I had a professor early on who told us, “If you can't identify it, you can't prune it.” And he couldn’t be anymore correct. Proper identification is key to proper pruning because, much like people, plants differ widely, and when one plant or tree responds well, it doesn’t guarantee its neighbor will. The bottom line is that pruning without identification is just cutting and not worth paying for.

Boxwood Leafminer

Now, questions for your potential pesticide applicator begin pretty similar: “What is the plant, pest, and chemical?” This is key for similar reasons, and when you apply chemicals without proper planning, you can create a resistant pest. Additionally, regarding pesticides and other chemicals, “The Label Is The Law!” This means it is unlawful to use any of those chemicals outside of the parameter of the label. Finally, when asking about the chemical, you can request a copy or pdf of the label and SDS (Safety Data Sheet). These two combined will offer up all the information you would need. They can be a little tricky to read if you are not a fan of lawnmower manuals.

4)   The List Never Ends

Although this is helpful information, it just scratches the surface of what to look for or ask, and I tried to put together tree and pest aspects as most clients, in my experience, are looking for both. At a later date, I will make a more pesticide-centered list due to the spring push of growth and all of the critters waiting to make something for themselves.

In the meantime, let me know if you found this helpful. I'll be sure to address any suggestions anyone has for upcoming posts. Anything related to plants or pests will pique my interest.